How To Manage Repeated Headaches In Children

October 29, 2024

Approximately fifteen percent of children experience regular headaches, and five percent are from migraines. Although most headaches are not serious, they can be disruptive to daily life and may affect mood and learning. In rare cases, headaches, particularly repeated ones, can be a sign of a brain condition and should be checked out immediately. Prevention is an important part of treating repeated headaches. The following guide includes common causes of repeated headaches and treatments for children who suffer from them.

Learn The Signs

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Approximately four percent of children have their first headache before they start going to elementary school. It can be hard for a child of this age to describe their pain; therefore, it is important for parents to know the visual signs so they can help spot it in their children and get them the help they require.

Children who seem more irritable than usual, hold their head in their hands, become restless, or sleep a lot may be suffering from a headache. Other signs include changes in personality, vomiting, waking up in the middle of the night, vision changes, fever, or a stiff neck.

Types Of Headaches

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Like adults, children may suffer from several different types of headaches. A migraine is characterized by throbbing pain that gets worse with physical activity, and it may also be accompanied by sensitivity to light and vomiting. A tension headache feels like a tight band squeezing the head. A cluster headache lasts less than three hours and is characterized by a stabbing pain behind the eyes. A chronic daily headache occurs when a child experiences a headache for at least fifteen days in one month.

Causes

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Children can develop a headache for many reasons. An illness or infection, such as the common cold, the flu, or an ear infection can cause one. Head injuries, including a large bump on the head, may also be responsible. Emotional children, especially teenagers, who are going through stress may develop a headache more frequently. In addition, children who are depressed or who have a family history of headaches may also experience a headache more frequently than others. Furthermore, certain foods and drinks can be triggers for a headache, such as foods containing nitrates, MSG (monosodium glutamate), or caffeine. With caffeine, headaches typically occur when an individual goes through withdrawal when they don't drink anything with caffeine or suddenly drop their intake a decent amount.

Treatment

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Treatment for a child’s headache depends on the type of headache they have, and preventing a child from getting a headache in the first place is ideal. Start by keeping a headache diary to track potential triggers, including certain foods and stressors at school. Make sure the child is well rested by talking to a pediatrician about how many hours of sleep they need a day. Also be sure the child stays hydrated by drinking lots of water in place of soda and other sugary beverages.

Treating A Tension Headache

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Tension headaches in children can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as children’s strength acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and lots of water. Be sure to alert the child’s pediatrician if they are being treated at home for a headache, particularly for the repeated variety, as their recommendation can slightly alter the dosages and specific details in the treatment plan. It may also help the child to receive gentle massages to the painful area or the neck and shoulder.

Treating tension headaches with cold therapy, such as a damp and cold washcloth on their forehead, can be beneficial as well. In addition, meditation and other mindful-based techniques may be able to help treat a tension headache in children. It is recommended to start with simple deep breathing meditation, particularly if the child in question is young, as it will be easier to grasp.

Treating A Migraine

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Treating a migraine in children can be tricky. Make sure the child’s pediatrician is aware of the migraine headaches. The doctor may be able to recommend medication to treat the symptoms. Sometimes regular children's pain medication is fine, but in other cases, a pediatrician will need to recommend a different course of treatment for safe and maximum effectiveness.

Besides this, there are other treatment options for migraines in children. Allow the child to rest in a quiet room with the lights and television off and a cold washcloth on their head. Children with migraines should avoid reading books or using electronic devices as this may worsen their condition. Taking a nap is an excellent way to alleviate the pain if the child can fall asleep. Parents may also wish to consider purchasing blackout curtains or blinds for their child if they appear to suffer from chronic migraines, as blackout blinds and curtains make it far easier to make a room dark at any time, even in the middle of the day.

Treating A Headache Caused By Illness

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Headaches resulting from the flu or common cold can be treated by focusing on the underlying condition. Children with an ear infection or sinus infection may need to take an antibiotic before they start to feel better. Doctors may also recommend children's ibuprofen, as this is an anti-inflammatory, and as such can alleviate some of the inflammation associated with ear and sinus infections, along with some of the pain they cause, particularly with headaches.

When their sinuses drain, try using a saline nose spray or decongestant to alleviate headaches. Note, nasal sprays should only be used sparingly and for a short period, as individuals can be dependent on them, and cause serious issues when they stop using them after using them for long periods. Cold compresses and drinking lots of water may also help reduce pain and flush toxins out of the child's body. The headaches accompanied by an illness that children experience should go away when the illness is adequately treated.

Healing Techniques

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Encourage children to fight their headaches without medication whenever possible by using healing techniques, such as meditation, relaxation, and drinking lots of water. When children first complain of a headache or show signs of one, ask them to relax and even sleep if possible. Elevate their head on a pillow and apply a cold compress to the forehead. Keep a list of dietary triggers that may cause a headache. Daily exercise is a good way to prevent headaches and relieve stress.

Relaxation Techniques

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Many headaches respond well to rest and relaxation. Encourage children to manage stress through physical exercise and sports, breathing exercises, and visualization. Progressive muscle relaxation can be used to tense up muscles and then relax them to keep the body stress free. Visualization includes forming positive mental images to take children on a peaceful journey away from their pain. For example, if children like the ocean, have them visualize the water to help calm them down and refocus their pain..

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Stress is healthy in small amounts, but when it starts to have a negative impact on an individual's life, it can get to be detrimental to health. This is particularly the case with children, since they are still developing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thankfully, if stress is a major factor behind their repeated headaches, it is possible to not only reduce the frequency of their headaches, but also lessen their intensity when they do come around. Talk to your child's pediatrician as well as your child about cognitive behavioral therapy, which can teach your child helpful techniques for dealing with stress of all forms, from simple daily stresses to larger stressful life events.

Offer A Healthy Snack

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As most are aware, dehydration can cause headaches in both children as well as adults, and the major fix for these headaches is to simply drink more water regularly. But what some individuals may not realize is not eating can also result in repeated headaches. If this happens to their child, parents should remember to offer a healthy snack to help curb the pain and maybe even make the headache disappear entirely. Be sure the snack is healthy, as unhealthy snacks containing a lot of sugar, fat, or grease can make the child's headaches worse. Fruits, such as apples, are a good choice, as not only can these help reduce hunger, but they also contain water, which will hydrate the child at the same time. Low-fat cheese and crackers are also a classic and good choice.

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